明確

• Reading: めいかく
• Romaji: meikaku
• Kanji breakdown: 明 (mei) — bright, clear; 確 (kaku) — certain, firm
• Pronunciation: /me.i.ka.kɯ/

Meaning

Clear; definite; explicit. Describes something stated or understood without ambiguity.

A na-adjective frequently used in formal, academic, and business contexts. Common patterns include 明確な目標 (a clear goal), 明確にする (to clarify/make explicit), and 明確な違い (a clear difference). More formal than はっきり and often interchangeable with 明らか, though 明確 emphasises precision while 明らか emphasises obviousness.

Examples

1. 目標を明確にしてから行動しよう。 Let's clarify our goals before taking action.
2. 彼の指示はいつも明確でわかりやすい。 His instructions are always clear and easy to understand.
3. 明確な理由がないと許可は出ません。 Permission won't be granted without a clear reason.

Usage Guide

Context: business, academic, instructions

Tone: precise

Origin & History

Compound of 明 (mei, bright/clear) and 確 (kaku, certain/firm). Together, 'bright and certain' — something illuminated so clearly that no doubt remains.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal